10 Thoughtful Things To Do For Your Spouse

I recently asked my Instagram friends to share something thoughtful they love that their spouse does for them. They shared some sincere acts of kindness with me and I wanted to share a list here in case you're feeling uninspired and need fresh ideas. Spend a few moments each week thinking of something special you can do to make your spouse smile and perhaps make their life a little easier. This list is specifically for spouses but I will share more lists soon for the other special people in your life.

This thoughtful gesture came from an Instagram friend and I love it! If coffee is your spouse's love language, make their morning cup and leave it on their nightstand. Or if you're leaving early while they are still sleeping, have the coffee pot ready for them to easily brew their morning cup of joe.

Maybe your spouse has a chore they really hate completing or one they are dreading on their weekly to-do list. It could be cleaning the bathrooms, mailing a package, or any random chore that they fret about. Take the initiative to take that off their plate... and bonus points if they don't have to ask you!

Another friend on Instagram said they love it when their spouse brings them a surprise snack from the gas station! And men, coming from a woman, we DO want a snack even if we SAY we don't. It is confusing, I know. However, if you're on your way home and want to make your spouse smile, grab their favorite snack, bottle of wine, or a small gift you know they will love. It is the thought that counts so get creative and see how much it means to them.

Give your spouse a call during the day to check in on them and see how their day is going. If they seemed stressed, encourage them and ask them if there is anything you can do to lighten their load. A simple, "I love you" and "Have a great rest of your day" goes a long way. It feels great to be checked on especially when life is stressful.

Plan a special date night (at home or outside the home) and organize the night or day around their favorite things. If they love the outdoors, plan a hike and picnic. If they enjoy a nice meal, take them to their favorite restaurant and then to a movie. If you're in a season where you don't have babysitters, plan a romantic at-home date night full of their favorite things. You can never go wrong with quality time spent together.

Take a few moments in the evening to pack your spouse a lunch or plan to cook dinner in the evening. If you're not confident in the kitchen, you could pick up take-out from their favorite restaurant and save yourself a little time on kitchen clean-up. Bonus points if you include a sweet note in their lunch or on the counter!

I saw a video recently where a parent took their kids out for a "yes" day! I thought this was an amazing idea for both your children and spouse. Plan a "yes" day for your spouse where you do whatever they want to do. Maybe they enjoy hiking, tennis, shopping, or reading outside on the patio. Whatever they want to do, say YES, and spend the day doing the things they love to do. And yes, ladies, even if your man loves to golf, tag along and enjoy your day with him!

When is the last time you asked your spouse how they were doing? It is easy to get caught up talking about the kids, work, and everyone's long to-do list. Spend time intentionally asking your spouse how they are, how their passion projects or hobbies are going, and how you can best support them in the season of life you're in. I love asking open-ended questions and here is a great card game for couples if you want to have more conversation starters.

If your spouse is extra tired or simply in need of a self-care break, plan a day they can spend by themselves. Maybe they would like a massage, a day at the spa, a round of golf, or a trip to the nail salon. Perhaps they would like a day spent at the lake/river, a day in bed resting, or they desire a nice meal alone at a restaurant. The possibilities are endless and this can be done on a budget. Plan a self-care day at home complete with a bath and no children or pets to disturb them. Get creative and plan a day that is specific to your spouse.

We forget how important the human touch is to our overall well-being especially when life feels heavy. Take special time to cuddle on the couch, extend a warm hug, hold hands in the car, and enjoy the lovely gift of physical touch with your spouse. After a long day, there is nothing more enjoyable than cuddling on the couch while you watch your favorite show or movie.

I hope you enjoyed this 10 thoughtful things to do for your spouse post and let me know what you would add to the list below!